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Updated: Apr 11, 2026

Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice
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Intracerebroventricular Delivery of Gut-Derived Microbial Metabolites in Freely Moving Mice

Published on: June 2, 2022

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Infant gut microbiomes contribute to metabolic states that impact brain function

Firas S Midani1,2, Do-Hun Lee3,4, Younghye Moon3,4

  • 1Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.

Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|April 10, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Early infant gut microbiome alterations are linked to cognitive deficits. Microbiota interventions in mice restored normal behavior, suggesting a potential therapeutic target for neurodevelopmental disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiome research
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Metabolic pathways

Background:

  • Gut microbiome alterations are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders.
  • Causal mechanisms and therapeutic strategies are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the causal role of early-life gut microbiomes in neurodevelopment.
  • To explore microbiota-based interventions for cognitive deficits.

Main Methods:

  • Transferred infant gut microbiomes to mice to assess behavioral and metabolic phenotypes.
  • Utilized fecal microbiota transplantation and rationally designed microbial consortia for intervention.
  • Analyzed fecal amino acid concentrations and replicated findings in a second cohort.

Main Results:

  • Early-life microbiomes from infants with later cognitive deficits induced adverse phenotypes in mice.
  • Microbiota interventions, including fecal microbiota transplant, rescued behavioral deficits in mice.
  • Lower fecal amino acid concentrations were observed in low-scoring infants, with replication in a second cohort.

Conclusions:

  • Early-life microbiome composition causally influences neurodevelopment and behavior.
  • Microbiota-based interventions show promise for treating cognitive deficits.
  • Amino acid metabolism is a key pathway linking the gut microbiome to cognitive outcomes.

Keywords:
amino acidscognitiongutgut-brain axishumanized microbiota miceinfantmicrobiomeneurodevelopment

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